Mid-Latitude Atmospheric Dynamics: A First Course

by Jonathan E. Martin

This exciting text provides a mathematically rigorous yet accessible textbook that is primarily aimed at atmospheric science majors. Its accessibility is due to the texts emphasis on conceptual understanding. The first five chapters constitute a companion text to introductory courses covering the dynamics of the mid-latitude atmosphere. The final four chapters constitute a more advanced course, and provide insights into the diagnostic power of the quasi-geostrophic approximation of the equations outlined in the previous chapters, the meso-scale dynamics of thefrontal zone, the alternative PV perspective for cyclone interpretation, and the dynamics of the life-cycle of mid-latitude cyclones. A Solutions Manual is also available for this textbook on the Instructor Companion Site .   “…a student-friendly yet rigorous textbook that accomplishes what no other textbook has done before… I highly recommend this textbook. For instructors, this is a great book if they don’t have their own class notes – one can teach straight from the book. And for students, this is a great book if they don’t take good class notes – one can learn straight from the book. This is a rare attribute of advanced textbooks.”   Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS), 2008  

352 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2006

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice book to help guide students to better understand the basics of atmospheric dynamics. Very detailed, containing a plethora of diagram’s and step by step examples!

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man! This is a must have for anyone who wants to study (or teach themselves) atmospheric dynamics. Dr. Martin does a fantastic job of setting up all of the basic physics and leading you step by step through the basic equations that govern atmospheric flow in the mid-latitudes. I found his conversational style to be very becoming and his approach of the subject extremely logical. There are a lot of hole in derivations of important equations, so I would recommend tackling the text with paper and pencil in hand. But really, this is the only way to really own these equations anyhow. I enjoyed it so much that I take it everywhere with me so that I can work on mastering the atmospheric dynamics: on the train, to the art galleries, even to the beach!